Dictionary
tern
noun \ˈtərn\
: a kind of bird that lives near the ocean, is usually black and white, and has long wings and a tail with two points
Full Definition of TERN
: any of various chiefly marine birds (subfamily Sterninae of the family Laridae and especially genus Sterna) that differ from the related gulls in usually smaller size, a more slender build, a sharply pointed bill, narrower wings, and an often forked tail
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Illustration of TERN
Origin of TERN
of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan terne tern
First Known Use: 1678
TERN Defined for Kids
tern
noun \ˈtərn\
Definition of TERN for Kids
: a small slender seagull with a white body, narrow wings, and the top of the head black
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